PhD Position in Social Sciences

Radboud University

Institution: Radboud University
Faculty: Social Sciences
Department / Group: Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), Work, Health and Performance (WHP) group; Radboud Ecological Momentary Assessment Center (REMAC)
Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands
Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 36–40 hours/week)
Application Deadline: 6 January 2026
Contact: Dr. Erik Bijleveld – erik.bijleveld@ru.nl

Position Overview

  • Investigate the individual dynamics of fatigue, including short- and long-term fluctuations.

  • Develop a conceptual model for fatigue dynamics and explore interventions.

  • Analyze Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) data using advanced time-series and complexity theory approaches.

  • Conduct studies on burnout patients and field experiments aimed at changing fatigue dynamics.

  • Expected outputs: multiple peer-reviewed publications forming your PhD thesis.

Main Responsibilities

  • Co-design, conduct, write up, and present research projects.

  • Data analysis and methodological innovation for EMA and time-series data.

  • Participate in teaching activities (~10% of time) and develop a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ).

  • Contribute to academic life in lab groups and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Candidate Profile

  • Research Master’s in Psychology or related field with strong academic performance.

  • Strong interest in fatigue research and interdisciplinary approaches.

  • Skilled in data analysis, preferably in R/RStudio.

  • Experience or willingness to learn EMA data analysis and advanced time-series techniques.

  • Curious, structured, proactive, and able to work collaboratively.

Offer / Benefits

  • Contract: Initial 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation.

  • Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross/month (full-time, CAO NU P scale).

  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.

  • Extra leave days: choose 30–41 annual leave days (statutory 20).

  • Dual Career Coaching available for partners.

  • Flexible working hours, work-from-home options, and personalized employment conditions.

  • Discounted sports and cultural activities (34%), plus pension plan.

  • Opportunities for professional development and training.

About the Institute

  • BSI: Interdisciplinary research institute addressing societal challenges, focusing on work, health, and performance.

  • WHP group: Studies work behaviour, health, and performance in dynamic contexts.

  • REMAC: Collaborative hub for intensive longitudinal data research.

  • Supervisors: Dr. Erik Bijleveld, Dr. Fred Hasselman, Prof. Sabine Geurts.

  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment with high-quality research infrastructure.

Timeline

  • Application deadline: 6 January 2026

  • First interviews: 19 January 2026

  • Preferred start date: 1 March 2026

Apply